VERIFIED 2026 · FORMENZO
How much does it cost to set up a UAE company from Egypt?
Setting up a UAE company costs the same for Egyptian founders as for anyone else: from AED 4,888 all-in for a free-zone licence, or AED 10,800 all-in with one UAE residence visa (Ajman NuVentures, the cheapest). You get 100% foreign ownership — no local partner or sponsor — 0% personal income tax in the UAE, and the licence issues in 3-8 working days. The process is remote-friendly, so most Egyptian founders start without relocating first. Note: income may still be taxable in your home country depending on your tax residency, so check the Egypt-specific rules.
Formenzo publishes real, all-in 2026 figures, confirmed in writing, with no sales call. See the full Cost Index or the open price dataset (CC-BY).
Build your exact price →By the Formenzo Research Team · compare all 9 zones
What the AED 4,888 starting price covers
The AED 4,888 entry point is Ajman NuVentures Centre with no visa attached: trade licence, government and authority fees and Formenzo's setup work in one figure. Stepping up to AED 10,800 adds a residence visa — entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and stamping — the route most Egyptian founders take when they want a personal UAE bank account or plan to spend part of the year in the Emirates.
Who picks this option
Three profiles dominate enquiries from Egypt: developers and designers invoicing European or Gulf clients who prefer to be paid in dirhams or dollars; engineering and marketing consultants whose Saudi or Emirati clients would rather contract with a UAE entity; and e-commerce sellers using the licence to onboard with regional payment gateways.
Two things founders ask
Can everything be done without leaving Cairo? The licence, yes — that part runs remotely. A residence visa is the exception, because the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics happen inside the UAE, so plan one trip if you take the AED 10,800 package.
What paperwork is needed from the Egyptian side? For most free-zone licences it is simply a passport copy and standard personal details. The UAE setup guide for Egyptian founders covers anything Egypt-specific.